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Viagra for impotence

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SBU Assessment

Presents a comprehensive, systematic assessment of available scientific evidence for effects on health, social welfare or disability. Full assessments include economic, social and ethical impact analyses. Assessment teams include professional practitioners and academics. Before publication the report is reviewed by external experts, and scientific conclusions approved by the SBU Board of Directors.

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Published: Revised: 3/27/2000

Findings by SBU Alert

This is a translation of version 1, published on October 20, 1998. The latest version of this report is not available in English.

There is good* scientific knowledge concerning the short-term effects of peroral drugs (sildenafil, Viagra) in the treatment of impotence (erectile dysfunction). Most patients using the drug experience satisfactory erectile function. Side effects are mild and temporary.There is however risk for more severe complications when the drug is used by patients with severe cardiac disease especially in connection with Nitroglycerine or Nitrate drugs. There is poor* scientific knowledge on the long-term effects and cost-effectiveness of the method beyond two years use. The economic impact on health care may be substantial.

*This assessment by SBU Alert uses a 4-point scale to grade the quality and evidence of the scientific documentation. The grades indicate: (1) good, (2) moderate, (3) poor, or (4) no scientific evidence on the subject.

This summary is based on a report prepared at SBU in collaboration with Assoc Prof Hans Hedelin, MD PhD, Sahlgrenska University Hospital. It has been reviewed by the National Swedish Board of Health and Welfare's Scientific Advisory Committee on Urology.

Alert is a joint effort by the Swedish Council on Technology Assessment in Health Care (SBU), the Medical Products Agency, the National Board of Health and Welfare, and the Federation of Swedish County Councils.

References

  1. Boolell M, Allen M, Ballard S, Gepi-Atte S, Muirhead G, Naylor A, et al. Sildenafil: an orally active type 5 cyclic GMP-specific phosphodiesterase inhibitor for the treatment of penile erectile dysfunktion. Int J Impot Res. 1996; 8: 47-52.
  2. Fugl-Meyer, K. "Nedsatt sexuell förmåga och sexuella problem". I: Lewin, B. (red) Sex i Sverige 1996, Uppsala universitets förlag 1997.
  3. Feldman H, Goldstein I, Hatzichristou D, Krane R, McKinley J. Impotence and its medical and psychosocial correlates: results of the Massachusettes Male aging study. J urol 1994; 151:54-61.
  4. Godstein I, Lue T, Padma-Nathan H, Rosen R, Steers W, Wicker P. Oral Sildenafil in the treatment of erectile dysfunction. N Engl J Med 1998; 338: 1397-404.
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